3D printing in tabletop: Three large dropships for BattleTech Alpha Strike

The dream of many BattleTech players is to send their mechs into battle in style – and what could be more impressive than a massive dropship on the playing field?
Over the last few weeks, I have dedicated myself to exactly this topic and have created several large dropships for BattleTech Alpha Strike – partly by 3D printing myself, partly with professional support from 3D printing service providers.

The project: Three large ships and a small companion

Originally, I only wanted to have a single dropship printed as an eye-catcher for my games and demo tables. But as is often the case with creative projects, it didn’t stop there.
In the end, I ended up with three large dropships (mechscale) and a smaller ship – each with its own history and different printing conditions.

• Dropship #1 – Professionally printed by BenAD3D:
  I had the first model printed externally by BenAD3D. The focus here was on the quality of detail. Smooth surfaces, clean lines and an impressive size immediately made this model a highlight on the gaming table. It is the “HEXTECH: Borealis Class Dropship” model from Thunderhead Studios. As I didn’t have a 3D printer at the time, I had the dropship printed by BenAD3D.
• Dropship #2 – 3D self-printing:
  After the first success, I wanted to know what was really possible in home printing. A BambuLab A1 had become my faithful companion. So I printed the second dropship myself – layer by layer on my own 3D printer. It was an exciting experiment: from preparing the print to tuning the settings and post-processing. In total, there were 14 printing plates with approx. 2.5 kg of PLA+. I printed them for more than a week.
  The result? Some manual work, but the satisfying feeling of having created a complete large-scale model myself. I bought the STL files for it from Crow Industries.
• Dropship #3 – Once again printed externally at The BirmanLab:
  For the third dropship, I once again used a professional printing service (The BirmanLab) for the third dropship. The aim here was to create a particularly large and massive model – beyond what my print bed at home would have produced.
  This ship is also a real statement piece for the Alpha Strike table. It is a Union Dropship, aööerdesigns only with very little interior. You can find the STL files here.
• Small escort ship – 3D self-print:
  In addition to the three large models, I also printed a smaller dropship myself – ideal as a tactical addition or backdrop element for missions. The smaller format was quick to implement and is ideal for trying out different painting techniques. It is the Beluga Dropship from Hardwae Studios.

What does this project show?

This dropship project is a good example of how versatile 3D printing has become in the tabletop sector.
Whether you print yourself or hire a service provider, with a little planning and patience you can create impressive models that take the gaming table to a new level.

Especially in the BattleTech Alpha Strike environment, where terrain and visual presence contribute a lot to the atmosphere, dropships are a real eye-catcher. They are not only visually impressive, but are also ideal for narrative missions or campaign scenarios.

Conclusion

Whether self-printed or commissioned – the combination of creativity, technology and tabletop passion makes 3D printing a fascinating part of our hobby.
And the best thing is: it’s just the beginning.
With every new print project, ideas for the next one emerge – perhaps an entire landing zone? Or a complete battlefield backdrop?

One thing is certain:
3D printing has made BattleTech Alpha Strike even more beautiful for me. Now nothing stands in the way of a huge spaceport on the play mat. I had already printed the corresponding airport.

Personal note

For me, this project was more than just a technical experiment – it was a journey through the possibilities of the modern tabletop hobby.
It’s always fascinating to see how a virtual 3D model takes shape layer by layer. I find the mixture of digital craftsmanship, classic model making and playful creativity particularly exciting.
Whether I print it myself or work with printing service providers I’m friends with – every dropship tells its own little story.
And that’s exactly what makes it so appealing to me: Turning an idea into a tangible piece of the BattleTech universe that you end up experiencing with friends on the gaming table.